Topic Review
Mechanisms of α-Syn Aggregation In Vitro
The aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibers is linked to more than forty still incurable cellular and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy, Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes, among others. The process of amyloid formation is a main feature of cell degeneration and disease pathogenesis. Despite being methodologically challenging, a complete understanding of the molecular mechanism of aggregation, especially in the early stages, is essential to find new biological targets for innovative therapies. Here, chemical and biophysical methodologies that provided insights on Alpha-synuclein aggregation that would help to investigate other less-known aggregation-prone peptides and proteins were presented.
  • 742
  • 03 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Sustainable Valorisation of Agri-Food Wastes
In the upcoming years, the world will face societal challenges arising, in particular, from the impact of climate change and the inefficient use of natural resources, in addition to an exponential growth of the world population, which according to the United Nations (UN) estimations will be 9.8 billion in 2050. This increasing trend requires optimized management of natural resources with the use of value-added waste and a significant reduction in food loss and food waste. Moreover, the recent pandemic situation, COVID-19, has contributed indisputably. Along with the agri-food supply chain, several amounts of waste or by-products are generated.
  • 743
  • 28 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Alginate Microparticles for Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications
Alginates are the most widely used natural polymers in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Usually, they are applied as a thickening, gel-forming and stabilizing agent. Moreover, the alginate-based formulations such as matrices, membranes, nanospheres or microcapsules are often used as delivery systems. Alginate microparticles (AMP) are biocompatible, biodegradable and nontoxic carriers, applied to encapsulate hydrophilic active substances, including probiotics.
  • 743
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Phosphorus-Substituted Pyridines
Phosphorus(V)-substituted pyridine was first synthesized by Plazek’s research group in 1936 by a reaction of 2-dimethylaminopyridine with phosphorus trichloride under oxidative conditions. Later, related compounds were obtained by reactions of metalated pyridines with phosphorus-halogen compounds, of pyridinediazonium tetrafluoroborate with phosphorus trichloride, of N-alkoxypyridines with sodium diethyl phosphite and phosphines, and of N-pyridylpyridines with phosphonic acid, by the Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction, Pd(II)-catalyzed phosphorylation of halopyridines, cyclization of phosphorus-containing 3-azatrienes, and the Diels–Alder reaction involving 3-phosphoryl-1-azadienes.
  • 742
  • 20 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Types of Scaffolds in Cartilage Regeneration
There are two main types of scaffolds: natural polymers and synthetic polymers. On the one hand, natural polymers are proteins (e.g., collagen, SF) and polysaccharides (e.g., Alg, CS, and HA derivatives). Natural polymers already have a long history of application in wound treatment. They are the closest substances to human tissue and show biocompatibility and biodegradability without toxic byproducts, and their technologies and properties have been widely investigated. Furthermore, in the form of hydrogels, they can retain a great amount of water. However, natural polymers are normally poor in mechanical strength. On the other hand, synthetic polymers have different properties. They allow the better control of formation, surface morphology, mechanical strength and physicochemical properties than natural polymers. Among them, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(urethanes) (PU) are the most popular candidates in osteochondral regeneration. The limitations of synthetic polymers are poor hydrophilicity, proinflammatory degradation byproducts, and unmatched degradation rates. It is noticeable that these two types of polymers are not independent.
  • 742
  • 08 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Hydrophilic Modification of Dialysis Membranes
The dialyzer is the core element in the hemodialysis treatment of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). During hemodialysis treatment, the dialyzer replaces the function of the kidney by removing small and middle-molecular weight uremic toxins, while retaining essential proteins. Meanwhile, a dialyzer should have the best possible hemocompatibility profile as the perpetuated contact of blood with artificial surfaces triggers complement activation, coagulation and immune cell activation, and even low-level activation repeated chronically over years may lead to undesired effects. During hemodialysis, the adsorption of plasma proteins to the dialyzer membrane leads to a formation of a secondary membrane, which can compromise both the uremic toxin removal and hemocompatibility of the dialyzer. Hydrophilic modifications of novel dialysis membranes have been shown to reduce protein adsorption, leading to better hemocompatibility profile and performance stability during dialysis treatments.
  • 742
  • 07 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of natural compounds that are present in several plant families, among which the most predominant are Boraginaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae, and are produced as a defense response against herbivores. PAs are known for their toxicity and for posing an elevated risk to human and animal health when consumed in large quantities over long periods of time.
  • 742
  • 08 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Isothiocyanate Synthesis Using Elemental Sulfur
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are biologically active molecules found in several natural products and pharmaceutical ingredients. Moreover, due to their high and versatile reactivity, they are widely used as intermediates in organic synthesis.This review considers the best practices for the synthesis of ITCs using elemental sulfur, highlighting recent developments. Additionally, we also reveal that in the catalyst‑free reaction of isocyanides and sulfur, two—until this time overlooked and not investigated—different mechanistic pathways exist.
  • 742
  • 28 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Thermodynamic Aspects Governing Shape Memory Elastomers
Shape memory elastomers have revolutionised the world since their introduction in the 20th century. The ability to tailor chemical structures to produce a family of materials in wide-ranging forms with versatile properties has propelled them to be ubiquitous.
  • 742
  • 02 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Biohydrogen for Sustainable Energy Solutions
Energy plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of modern nations. Hydrogen is considered the most promising alternative fuel as it can be generated from clean and green sources. Moreover, it is an efficient energy carrier because hydrogen burning only generates water as a byproduct. It is generated from natural gas. However, it can be produced using other methods, i.e., physicochemical, thermal, and biological. The biological method is considered more environmentally friendly and pollution free.
  • 742
  • 03 Nov 2022
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